Italy dreaming of the Ocean at the ARC. And there is also Patrizio Bertelli with Ulysses

Of the Italian boats that are participating in the ARC Plus (the two-stage Atlantic rally with a stop in Cape Verde) we told you about them HERE and HERE. Today, however, is time for the real ARC, the one in a single leg from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to St. Lucia, the 2700 miles dreamed of by many enthusiasts who want to cross the Ocean safely and perhaps with their cruising boats. The formula is still that of a rally, not a real regatta since there is provision for motor sailing, but still there is no shortage of crews who experience it as a real challenge.

192 registered boats will leave Las Palmas today, including as many as six Italian boats. Who are they? Let’s go and find out.

ULISSE, FRERS 100 by Patrizio Bertelli

While Luna Rossa’s patron is busy with the technological challenge of the new America’s Cup, he is also increasingly treating himself to decidedly more “traditional” sailing experiences. With his 100-foot Ulysses, he organized a top-notch crew to try to win the rally in real time. Also crewing with Bertelli are Pietro D’Alì and Torben Grael, two historical Luna Rossa figures.

DUFFY, DUFOUR 34 by Enrico Calvi

Veteran boat of classic Mediterranean regattas and beyond (also participated in the Fastnet). At the 2017 ARC, she was stopped by a dismasting; she is the smallest boat in the fleet but will give everyone a run for their money in the Racing division, with the goal of making it to the finish line and then participating in the classic Caribbean races.

FRA DIAVOLO, MYLIUS 60 BY Vincenzo Adessi

Another boat that now routinely races on the Mediterranean circuits between maxy and grand classics thanks to the efforts of its owner. For the Atlantic jump, a top-notch crew, including also Andrea Fornaro (two mini Transats behind him and great experience between one-designs and offshore) and oceanic Andrea Fantini to back up a good mix of amateurs and professionals.

CATTY SHARK, AZUREE 40 by Francesco Buonfantino

Crew of friends, second participation in the ARC this time in Cruising division, but on board there is no shortage of experience and pugnacity typical of racers. In fact, the owner is a big fan of offshore racing, and the Azuree 40 when there is to be sailed offshore in the Trade Wind is an interesting boat that can really have its say.

GRAND SOLEIL 43 BLUE MOON, Second Star Sailing

Can a good, typically cruising boat like the Grand Soleil 43 cross the Ocean? Why not! That’s what the crew of Second Star Sailing, the Tuscany-based sailing school preparing for its Atlantic leap, will do.

Laura IV, NAUTITECH 541 by Pino Lasalandra

The Ocean in comfort. That’s what Giuseppe Lasalandra’s crew will do aboard a beautiful Nautitech 541, a very comfortable catamaran equipped with every comfort. After all, who said that you have to be uncomfortable to cross the Atlantic? And then the cats at carrier gaits can have their say. Pino Lasalandra, 76, had contacted us asking if we could run his “looking for crew,” and as a result of an article we published he was inundated with resumes: part of Laura’s team was selected from them!

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